Ace Impact once again displayed his sensational turn of foot as he sprinted to glory in the Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.

Unbeaten in five previous runs for trainer Jean-Claude Rouget, the Prix du Jockey Club winner was trying his hand at 12 furlongs for the first time in the European middle-distance championship.

Employing his usual waiting tactics, Cristian Demuro settled Ace Impact – who got very worked up in the paddock beforehand – at the back of the field before unleashing his electrifying burst in the closing stages to overhaul the gallant Westover and pull away for an impressive triumph.

Rouget said: “I won with Sottsass three years ago, it was incredible because I started in Pau a long time ago. It’s a long way (journey of training career) and two Arcs in four years is fantastic.”

He added: “I am like a very backward horse and I am just maturing now. So I hope I have a few good years again in front of me.

“I know how I started with jumpers and very bad Flat horses. With Millkom it was the first sign of a classic career in 1994 and after we won with Le Havre and Stacelita and now we have a very strong stable.

“Thank you to all of my team. I have two teams now, one in Pau and one in Deauville. There is a lot of work always in a serious, serious way.

“We always say they are the best when they win, I think it is his strong acceleration. It is something I have never seen.

“I don’t know if he will go straight to the stud or run next year. It will be decided between the two owners and me, but I don’t know yet.”

Ace Impact is owned in partnership by Serge Stempniak and Gousserie Racing, the racing wing of the Chehboub family, and owners of the Haras de Beaumont, near Deauville (Normandy), where Ace Impact will stand as a stallion when his racing career ends

A son of the Frankel horse Cracksman, Ace Impact was bred by Mme Waltraut Spanner, at the Haras de Long Champ, a Normandy stud owned by Barbara Moser. He was bought as a yearling for €75,000 at the Arqana August Sale by Jean-Claude Rouget, where he was consigned by Domaine de l'Étang, which is Élise Drouet's stud.